Fall can be a great season for visiting the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, but to take advantage of the full range of visitor facilities and services, don't wait too long'”the annual closure of that area for the upcoming winter will begin on October 16, 2014. 

Just to avoid any possible confusion, let's emphasize one key point right up front: the following closure information applies only to the park's North Rim; the more highly-developed South Rim of the park remains open all year.

Many visitors who have enjoyed both the North and South Rims of the park say they enjoy the lower-key experience on the north side of the canyon; crowds, traffic'”and facilities'”are on a much smaller scale on the North Rim. The tradeoff, of course, is that you have to make more effort to get to the north side, which is considerably further removed from interstate highways and airports.

A key reason for the seasonal closure is the difference in elevation; the elevation on the North Rim averages about 8,000 feet, which is about 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim, and those higher elevations get considerably more snowfall each winter.

So, what do you need to know if you're considering a fall trip to the North Rim?

The staff will begin to shut down most visitor services and facilities on Thursday, October 16; the North Rim will remain open to visitors, with minimal facilities, through December 1... or until snow closes Highway 67 leading into the park. Last year the road closed on December 2, but it's important to keep in mind that this date can vary considerably from year to year.

Here's a summary of key dates, provided by the park:

Regularly scheduled ranger-led programs will be offered through October 15. The Visitor Center will close for the season beginning October 20. Reservations for the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, operated by Forever Resorts, will be accepted through the night of October 15. All other concessioner-related visitor services, with the exception of the gift shop and gas station, will close at the end of the day on October 15.

The Lodge on the North Rim will close in mid-October. NPS photo by Michael Quinn.

The last meal served at Grand Canyon Lodge will be breakfast, which ends at 10 a.m. on October 16. The final day for mule rides on the North Rim will be October 15. Self-service gas and diesel fuel will continue to be available in the park through December 1 or until Highway 67 closes.

Between October 16 and October 31, a limited number of campsites at the North Rim Campground will be offered for a $12 fee on a first-come, first-served basis. The Backcountry Office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Visitor entrance and campground fees will be collected through October 31.

Starting November 1 through December 1 or until snow closes Highway 67, the park will remain open for day use. Self-service gas will be available and visitors will have access to Point Imperial and Bright Angel Point, as well as the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Inner Canyon users with a valid backcountry permit will be allowed to park overnight at the North Kaibab Trailhead. A limited number of campsites at the North Rim Campground will be available to hikers with an advanced reservation. No overnight parking or car camping will be allowed. A backcountry permit is required and will be available through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center and the Visitor Center at Pipe Springs National Monument in Fredonia, AZ. The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is open year-round and can be reached by calling (928) 638-7875.

The North Rim will close for the season at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 1. Hikers and cross country skiers will still be able to enter the North Rim of the park through the winter months, providing backcountry permits have been obtained.

Similar seasonal dates will also apply to facilities and services outside the North Rim.

The Kaibab Lodge, located four miles north of the park boundary, will have full service through October 20 and will close on October 21. The North Rim Country Store, also located outside the park boundary across from the Kaibab Lodge, will remain open until noon on November 1, weather permitting.

Jacob Lake Inn, restaurant and gas station, located 45 miles from the North Rim developed area, remains open year-round. The Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at Jacob Lake will be closed starting October 16. For more information call (928) 643-7298.

Arizona Department of Transportation officials will try to keep Highway 67 open through December 1, but a major storm with heavy snowfall could close the road earlier. After October 15, visitors should be prepared for winter driving and travel conditions and are encouraged to call Arizona Highway information at (888) 411-7623 in advance of their trip to check on the status of Highway 67. Visitors to the area are reminded that Highway 89A remains open year-round.

For additional trip planning information, visit the park's website or call the park's main information line at (928) 638-7888.